Is it damaging to the motor if my timing chain needs to b replaced

5

Asked by Shawntay Feb 11, 2015 at 08:24 PM about the 2000 Pontiac Grand Am GT

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I was told my car has an
interference motor which
could damage my engine if
it's not repaired properly

1 Answer

3,095

Yes it can. On interference engines the camshaft and crankshaft are timed to open the valves at certain intervals like all engines. What's make interference engines different is that if the timing belt or chain jumps to many teeth either on the camshaft gear or the crankshaft gear it can cause the valves to open to soon and hit the pistons. This would result in bent or broken valves and damaged pistons and possible damage the the cylinder walls. If this were to happen then the engine would need to be replaced, since rebuilding the engine would cost more in parts and labor. Hope this helps.

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